Daizen Maeda has emerged as a pivotal figure for Celtic in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign, consistently delivering standout performances that underscore his importance to Brendan Rodgers and his team.
His contributions have been instrumental in Celtic’s journey through Europe’s elite competition, highlighting both his individual talent and his integral role as an effective team player within the squad.
Last night during the Champions League playoff first leg against Bayern Munich, Maeda’s impact was unmistakable. Despite Celtic facing a formidable elite level opponent, Maeda’s relentless energy and determination provided a crucial lifeline.
In the 79th minute, he capitalised on a set-piece opportunity, heading the ball past Manuel Neuer and reducing the deficit on the night to 2-1. This goal not only reignited Celtic’s hopes in the tie ahead of a trip to Munich next week but it also exemplified Maeda’s knack for delivering in high-pressure situations.
Throughout this Champions League campaign, Maeda has been a consistent threat for Celtic. Over eight matches, he has accumulated 671 minutes of game time.
His goal tally stands at four in the current campaign which means that he now holds the record for the most goals scored by a Celtic player in a single Champions League group stage since the competition’s rebranding in 1992.
This places him ahead of notable figures such as Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and Moussa Dembélé, highlighting the magnitude of his contributions on Europe’s biggest stage.
In addition to his impressive goal scoring run, his remarkable speed and agility not only unsettle opposition defenders but also provide Celtic with a dynamic edge in transitional phases of play.
Featured image: Daizen Maeda / Instagram
Callum McFadden 